Method and apparatus for making status reporting devices for container handlers

ABSTRACT

A mechanism and method for making status reporting devices for container handlers, including: providing a micro-controller module, and installing a program system into memory accessed by a computer directing the micro-controller module. The micro-controller module communicatively couples with means for wirelessly communicating and for sensing a state of the container handler. Means for wirelessly communicating may include means for wirelessly determining container handler location. The micro-controller module may be communicatively coupled to a separate means for determining location. An apparatus making the devices may include a second program system directing the invention&#39;s method through a second computer, which may control an assembly device in creating the micro-controller, coupled with the means for sensing and for wirelessly communicating.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/574,624, filed on Oct. 6, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,188,865, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/130,822, filed May 16, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,598,863, which further claims the benefit of the priority date of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/571,009 filed May 14, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to status reporting devices for container handlers and methods of making these devices. A container handler will refer herein to a device, usually operated by a human operator, which moves a container of at least twenty feet in length.

2. Background Information

Container terminals are transfer points between marine and land-based shipping. These container terminals must maintain inventory control for an ever-increasing number of containers. The basic unit of transfer is a container, which comes in five sizes, a ten foot, a twenty foot, a thirty foot, a forty foot and a forty five foot size. These containers, when filled, may weigh up to 110,000 pounds, or 50,000 kilograms, making them impossible to move, except by machinery.

The last few years have seen increased demand for real-time reporting of container activity throughout the container terminals.

The point of transfer between marine transport and land-based transport is the quay side crane, or quay cranes, as they will be known hereafter. Berthing operations involve transferring containers between a container ship and a land transport by one of these quay cranes. There is often a need for mechanisms to inspect the containers and/or create long lasting records of the visual condition of the containers at the time of transfer. The clerks involved may intentionally or unintentionally mislead the container inventory management system and the terminal management. The container's contents may be damaged when it reaches its destination, leading to the possibility of lawsuits and insurance claims being brought against terminal management. Berthing operations may be seen as loading and unloading containers onto container ships.

The quay cranes deliver the containers onto UTR trucks, which sometimes carry the containers on specialized chassis known as bomb carts. The UTR trucks move containers around a terminal, transferring the containers between one or more stacking yards and the Quay cranes. In the stacking yards, a number of different cranes may be used to place the container in stacks, or possibly load them onto or unload them from trucks used for container movement outside the terminal.

There is an ever growing need to continuously monitor the status of the container handlers around a terminal. Overall terminal efficiency tends to be improved if the terminal management knows the status and/or location of each container handler and each container in the terminal. Illicit use of container handlers may be minimized by use of operator identification devices. The container codes may be observed and recorded at various points in the terminal transfer operations. Photographs may be taken of the container conditions as it is leaving a ship, or being put on a ship.

There is however a problem of scale. While there are millions of containers entering and leaving a country such as the United States annually, there are nowhere near that many container handlers. Even worse, there are many different kinds of container handlers. Some, such as UTR trucks, Front End Loaders (FEL), and bomb carts handle containers differently from the cranes. As used herein, Front End Loaders will refer to Top Handlers (also known as Top Loaders) and Side Handlers (also known as Side Pickers). The crane based container handlers vary in structure greatly. Some have centralized controls, known as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and some do not. As a consequence, these reporting devices, which enable container tracking, represent small production runs. These small production runs involve many variations in circuitry and couplings for these different types of container handlers, with the attendant high setup and manufacturing costs. A modular manufacturing method is needed for these reporting devices, which can readily account for the container handler variations, while minimizing cost and maximizing reliability.

In the last few years, a variety of radio frequency tagging devices have entered the marketplace. These devices can often provide a mechanism for identifying themselves, as well as reporting their location via a wireless communication protocol, often one or more variants IEEE 802.11. Some of these devices rely on a local wireless network to aid them in location determination. While these devices have uses, they do not satisfy all the needs that container handlers have for status reporting. What is needed are mechanisms and methods for using the capabilities of radio frequency tagging devices to provide an integrated solution to the needs of the various container handlers, to report on the container handler status, and/or provide observations of the container being handled.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes a mechanism and a method for making status reporting devices for container handlers. The devices are manufactured in a modular, highly efficient manner, which is able to use a relatively small number of different parts to serve the needs of a wide variety of container handlers.

A container handler will refer herein to a device, usually operated by a human operator, which can move a container of at least twenty feet in length. International commerce primarily uses containers of approximately ten feet, twenty feet, thirty feet, forty feet or forty-five feet in length.

The method making the status reporting devices includes the following steps. A micro-controller module is provided. A program system is installed into a memory, which a computer can access to direct the micro-controller module.

The micro-controller module is communicatively coupled with a means for wirelessly communicating and a means for sensing a state of the container handler.

The program system includes program steps residing in the memory. These program steps include the following. Using the means for sensing the state of the container handler to create a sensed state. And using the wirelessly communicating means to communicate the sensed state of the container handler.

In many preferred applications of the status reporting device, the means for wirelessly communicating is linked to a container inventory management system, sometimes also known as a terminal operating system. The sensed state may be preferably communicated to another computer, preferably associated with the terminal operating system.

The means for sensing may include, but is not limited to, means for any combination of the following.

-   -   Sensing an operator identity.     -   Sensing a container presence on, or coupled to, the container         handler.     -   Optically sensing a container code on a container.     -   Radio frequency sensing a radio frequency tag on the container.     -   Sensing a stack height for the container.     -   Sensing at least one member of a machine state list of the         container handler. The machine state list may include reverse         motion, frequent stops count, collisions, fuel level, and         compass readings. The machine state list may further include a         wind speed and an equipment up-time.     -   Sensing at least one member of a crane state list. The crane         state list may include a twistlock sensed state, a spreader         sensed state, a sensed landing state, a trolley position, and a         hoist height.     -   Sensing the container size.     -   Sensing the container weight.     -   Sensing container damage.

The means for wirelessly communicating may include a means for wirelessly determining the location of the container handler. Alternatively, the micro-controller module may be communicatively coupled to an at least partially separate means for locating the container handler. The means for locating may include an interface to a Global Positioning System (GPS). The means for wirelessly communicating may include a radio location-tag unit.

The container handler is at least one member of a container handler list comprising an UTR truck, a bomb cart, a rubber tire gantry crane, a quay crane, a side picker, a top loader, a top handler, a reach-stacker, a straddle carrier, and a chassis rotator.

The memory may include a non-volatile memory, which may further contain at least part of at least one of the program steps of the invention. Installing the program system may include altering at least part of the non-volatile memory, or installing a memory module containing at least part of at least one of the program steps in the non-volatile memory, creating at least part of the memory, which can be accessed by the computer. As used herein, the computer may be part of a micro-controller.

The invention includes apparatus for making the status reporting devices. The apparatus may include a second program system directing the implementation of the invention's method residing in memory accessibly coupled to a second computer. The second computer may control an assembly device receiving the micro-controller module, the means for wirelessly communicating, and the means for sensing the state of the container handler to create the reporting device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows three container handlers: a rubber tire gantry (RTG) crane and a UTR truck hauling a bomb cart;

FIG. 2 shows another container handler referred to herein as a quay side crane;

FIG. 3A shows another container handler referred to herein as a side picker;

FIG. 3B shows a stack of containers defining what is referred to herein as a stacking height;

FIG. 4A shows another container handler referred to herein as a reach stacker;

FIG. 4B shows the container handler list;

FIG. 4C shows a top handler;

FIG. 4D shows a straddle carrier;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show housing of the status reporting device and sensors for use on various container handlers;

FIG. 6A shows a system for making a status reporting device for the container handlers of FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 4A, and 4B;

FIG. 6B shows a flowchart of the program system in the status reporting device of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A shows a refinement of the status reporting system of FIG. 6A coupled by a Network Interface Circuit (NIC) to the means for wirelessly communicating;

FIG. 7B shows a detail flowchart of FIG. 6B further using the means for wirelessly communicating;

FIG. 7C shows a further, often preferred embodiment of the manufacturing system of FIGS. 6A and 7A, including a second computer at least partly directing the means for creating the status reporting device;

FIG. 8A shows a flowchart of the program system of FIG. 7C, embodying certain aspects of making the status reporting device of FIGS. 6A and 7A;

FIG. 8B shows a detail of FIG. 8A further providing the micro-controller module to the system of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 8C shows a serial protocol list;

FIG. 8D shows a wireless modulation-demodulation scheme list;

FIG. 9A shows a refinement of part of the wireless modulation-demodulation scheme list of FIG. 8D;

FIG. 9B shows some refinements of the means of FIGS. 6A and 7A for sensing the state of the container handler;

FIG. 10A shows some refinements of the sensed state of FIGS. 6A and 7A;

FIG. 10B shows a container code characteristic list;

FIG. 10C shows some preferred alternative embodiments of the means for optically sensing the container code on the container of FIG. 9B;

FIG. 10D shows a further preferred embodiment of the means for sensing the stacking height, including a stacking height sensor interface to a stacking height sensor on the container handler;

FIG. 10E shows a preferred embodiment of the machine state list;

FIGS. 11A and 11B show example views of FIG. 10B, of the container code optically viewed on the side of container of FIGS. 1, 3A, and 4A;

FIG. 11C shows an example of the container code text of FIG. 10B;

FIG. 12A shows some details of the crane sensor means list related to members of FIG. 9B;

FIG. 12B shows some details of the crane state list related to members of FIGS. 9B and 10A;

FIG. 12C shows some details of a twistlock state list related to members of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12D shows some details of the spreader state list related to members of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12E shows some details of the landing state list related to members of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13A shows a refinement of the status reporting device 800 of FIGS. 6A and 7A where the sensing means includes coupling to a crane spreader interface connection;

FIG. 13B shows a refinement of the status reporting device of FIGS. 6A and 7A where the sensing means includes coupling to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC);

FIG. 14A shows the providing means of FIGS. 6A and 7A further including a means for coupling the micro-controller module with a means for locating the container handler;

FIG. 14B shows a detail flowchart: of FIG. 8A further providing the micro-controller module with the coupled means for sensing the state of the container handler of FIGS. 6A and 7A;

FIG. 14C shows a detail of FIG. 8A further providing the micro-controller module with the coupled means for locating the container handler of FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15A shows the means for wirelessly communicating, including the means for wirelessly determining the location of the container handler;

FIG. 15B shows a detail of the program system of FIGS. 6A and 6B for determining and communicating the location of the container handler;

FIG. 16A shows the memory of FIG. 6A including a non-volatile memory;

FIG. 16B shows a detail flowchart of FIG. 8A for installing the program system of FIG. 6A;

FIGS. 17 to 20 show various embodiments of the status reporting device for the rubber tire gantry crane of FIG. 1 and the quay crane of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 21 to 23 show various embodiments of the status reporting device for the side picker of FIG. 3A, the reach stacker of FIG. 4A, the top loader of FIG. 4C, straddle carrier of FIG. 4D; and

FIGS. 24 and 25 shows various embodiments of the status reporting device for the UTR truck and/or bomb cart/chassis of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention includes an apparatus and a method of making at least one, preferably many status reporting device 800 for at least one, preferably many container handler 78. The manufacturing proceeds in a modular, highly efficient manner, which is able to use a relatively small number of different parts to serve the needs of a wide variety of container handlers.

A container handler 78 will refer herein to a device, usually operated by a human operator, which moves a container 2 of at least twenty feet in length. International commerce primarily uses containers of approximately twenty feet to forty five feet in length. Containers when filled with cargo may weigh up to 110,000 pounds, or up to 50,000 kilograms. The width of the container 2 may be at least eight feet wide. The height of the container may be at least eight feet six inches.

As used herein, a container handler 78 will refer to at least one of the members of the container handler list 80 shown in FIG. 4B. The container handler list 80 includes, but is not limited to, the following.

-   -   The UTR truck 10, the bomb cart 14, and the Rubber Tire Gantry         crane 20, often abbreviated RTG crane are shown in FIG. 1. Note         that the bomb cart 14 is also known as a container chassis, when         the container 2 is tied down. Within container terminals,         containers are not typically tied down to bomb carts.     -   The quay crane 30 is shown in FIG. 2.     -   The side picker 40 is shown in FIG. 3A.     -   The reach stacker 46 is shown in FIG. 4A.     -   The top handler 50 is shown in FIG. 4C.     -   The straddle carrier 54 is shown in FIG. 4D.     -   The chassis rotator 58. The chassis rotator is used to rotate         the chassis used to haul one or more containers. It operations         and requirements are similar to other contain handlers, except         that its rectilinear position is fixed. More relevant for these         container handlers is the use of its location 1900 as an angular         measure of its orientation of the container 2. The means for         determining 1500 the location 1900 consequently may use a shaft         encoding, possibly an optical shaft encoder.

The rubber tire gantry crane 20 of FIG. 1 may be called a transfer crane and/or a TRANSTAINER™. The quay crane 30 of FIG. 2 is sometimes referred to as a PORTAINER™. The side picker 40 of FIG. 3A is also referred to as a side handler or a side hauler. The top loader 50 of FIG. 4C is also referred to as a top picker or top handler.

Some of these container handlers have the ability to lift and/or place a container 2. A container handler 78 able to lift and/or place the container is a member of the stacking handler list of FIG. 4B, which includes, but is not limited to, the following.

-   -   The rubber tire gantry 20 of FIG. 1 includes a rubber tire         gantry spreader 22.     -   The quay crane 30 of FIG. 2 includes a quay crane spreader,         which is outside the picture.     -   The side picker 40 of FIG. 3A includes a side picker spreader         42.     -   The reach stacker 46 of FIG. 4A includes a reach stacker         spreader 48.     -   The top handler 50 of FIG. 4C includes a top handler spreader         52.     -   The straddle carrier 54 of FIG. 4D includes a straddle carrier         spreader 56.

FIG. 3B shows a stack of containers including first container 60 to fourth container 66 defining what is referred to herein as a stacking height.

-   -   The stacking height of the first container 60 is usually denoted         as one.     -   The stacking height of the second container 62 is two.     -   The stacking height of the third container 64 is three.     -   And the stacking height of the fourth container 66 is four.     -   While this is a standard designation, any other designation may         be used within a computer, such as numbering as follows, first         container 60 as zero, second container 62 as one, third         container 64 as two, and fourth container 66 as three.     -   In some situations, container stacks may preferably include more         than four container stacked on top of each other, for example,         up to seven containers high.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show two examples of a housing 3000 of the status reporting device 800 for use on various members of the container handler list 80.

-   -   The housing 3000 of FIG. 5A includes a housing mount 3002, by         which it may be preferably attached to a rubber tire gantry         crane 20 of FIG. 1 and/or quay crane 30 of FIG. 2. The housing         3000 may preferably contain at least part of the means for         optical container code sensing 1230.     -   The housing 3000 of FIG. 5B preferably includes a display 3010.         The housing 3000 may preferably be attached to any member of the         container handler list 80.

FIG. 6A shows a system for making 100 a status reporting device 800 for a container handler 78 of FIGS. 13A and 13B. The container handler 78 is a member of the container handler list 80. Some preferred embodiments of the status reporting device 800 for specific members of the container handler list 80 are shown in FIGS. 17 to 25.

In FIG. 6A, the system for making 100 includes a means for providing 200 a micro-controller module 1000.

-   -   The status reporting device 800 includes a first communicative         coupling 1102 of the micro-controller module 1000 with a means         for wirelessly communicating 1100. and     -   The status reporting device 800 includes a second communicative         coupling 1202 of the micro-controller module 1000 with a means         for sensing state 1200 of at least one member of the container         handler list 80 of FIG. 4B.

In FIG. 6A, the system for making 100 also includes means for installing 300 a program system 2000. The program system 2000 is installed into 302 a memory 1020.

-   -   The micro-controller module 1000 includes an accessible coupling         1022 of a computer 1010 with the memory 1020.     -   The computer 1010 directs the activities of the micro-controller         module 1000 through a program system 2000. The program system         2000 includes program steps residing in the memory 1020 as shown         in FIGS. 6A and 16A.

The method of operating the status reporting device 800 will be discussed as implemented by the program system 2000. One skilled in the art will recognize that alternative implementations, which may include, but are not limited to, finite state machines, neural networks, and/or inferential engines are possible, feasible, and in certain circumstances, potentially preferable.

A computer as used herein may include, but is not limited to, an instruction processor and/or a finite state machine, and/or an inferential engine, and/or a neural network. The instruction processor includes at least one instruction processing element and at least one data processing element, each data processing element controlled by at least one instruction processing element.

An embodiment of the computer, as used herein, may include not only what some would consider peripheral circuitry, which may include, but is not limited to, communications circuitry, memory, memory interface circuitry, clocking and timing circuitry, as well as signal protocol interface circuitry.

-   -   These circuits may be fabricated in the same package as the         computer, sometimes on the same semiconductor substrate as the         computer.     -   While some of these circuits may be discussed separately from         the computer, this is done to clarify the operation of the         invention and is not meant to limit the scope of the claims to         mechanically distinct circuit components.

Embodiments of the status reporting device 800 may include determining the location 1900 of a container handler as shown in FIG. 6A.

-   -   These aspects will be discussed later regarding the means for         determining 1500 the location 1900 of the container handler as         in FIGS. 14A to 14C, 15B, 17, 18, 21, 22, and 24.     -   Other alternatives may include, but are not limited to, using a         means for wirelessly communicating 1100 which includes a means         for wirelessly determining 1510 for locating the container         handler, as discussed in FIGS. 15A, 19, 20, 23, and 25. These         aspects of the invention may not require the storage of the         location 1900 in the computer 1010 of FIG. 6A.

Some of the following figures show flowcharts of at least one method of the invention, possessing arrows with reference numbers. These arrows will signify of flow of control and sometimes data supporting implementations including

-   -   at least one program operation or program thread executing upon         a computer,     -   at least one inferential link in an inferential engine,     -   at least one state transitions in a finite state machine, and/or     -   at least one dominant learned response within a neural network.

The operation of starting a flowchart is designated by an oval with the text “Start” in it, and refers to at least one of the following.

-   -   Entering a subroutine in a macro instruction sequence in a         computer.     -   Entering into a deeper node of an inferential graph.     -   Directing a state transition in a finite state machine, possibly         while pushing a return state.     -   And triggering a list of neurons in a neural network.

The operation of termination in a flowchart is designated by an oval with the text “Exit” in it, and refers to the completion of those operations, which may result in at least one of the following:

-   -   return from a subroutine return,     -   traversal of a higher node in an inferential graph,     -   popping of a previously stored state in a finite state machine,         and/or     -   return to dormancy of the firing neurons of the neural network.

FIG. 6B shows the program system 2000 of FIG. 6A, which the means for installing 300 installed into 302 the memory 1020.

-   -   Operation 2012 supports using the means for sensing state 1200         of FIG. 6A for sensing the state of the container handler 78 of         FIGS. 13A and/or 13B, to create a sensed state 1800.     -   Operation 2022 supports using the means for wirelessly         communicating 1100 to communicate the sensed state 1800 of the         container handler 78.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the means for sensing state 1200 may further preferably include specific sensors and interfaces beyond those related with FIGS. 13A and/or 13B.

-   -   FIGS. 17 to 25 outline some variations of sensors,         instrumentation and interfaces which may be preferred for         various types of the container handler 78, which are members of         the container handler list 80 of FIG. 4B.     -   Because of the complexity of FIGS. 17 to 25, the label 1200 will         not be found in the drawings, but will be called out in their         discussion.

FIG. 7A shows a refinement of the status reporting device 800 of FIG. 6A. The micro-controller module 1000 further includes a computer communicative coupling 1032 of the computer 1010 with a Network Interface Circuit 1030, denoted as (NIC).

FIG. 7A also shows a refinement of the means for providing 200 the micro-controller module 1000. The means for providing 200 the micro-controller module 1000 further includes:

-   -   A means for coupling 210, which creates the coupling 212 of the         network coupling 1104 of the network interface circuit 1030 with         the means for wirelessly communicating 1100.     -   A means for sensor coupling 220, which creates the sensor         coupling 222 of the sensor coupling the micro-controller module         1000 to 1202 the means for sensing state 1200 of the container         handler. This mechanism and process is similar to the various         embodiments of the means for coupling 210 which creates the         coupling 212, which will be described in greater detail.

FIG. 7B shows a detail flowchart of operation 2022 of FIG. 6B further using the means for wirelessly communicating 1100. Operation 2052 interacts via the computer communicative coupling 1032 with the network interface circuit 1030 via the network coupling 1104 with the means for wirelessly communicating 1100 to communicate the sensed state 1800 for the container handler.

FIG. 7C shows a further, often preferred, embodiment of the system for making 100 the status reporting device 800 of FIGS. 6A and 7A.

-   -   The system for making 100 may include a second computer 500 at         least partly directing the creation of the status reporting         device 800.     -   The second computer 500 may at least partly first direct 502 the         means for providing 200 the micro-controller module 1000.     -   The second computer 500 may at least partly second direct 504         the means for installing 300 the program system 2000.     -   The communications coupling between the second computer 500 with         the means for providing 200 and the means for installing 300 may         be a shared coupling, and the first direct 502 and the second         direct 504 may use an addressing scheme for message or         communications addressed to these means.

In FIG. 7C, the system for making 100 further includes the following.

-   -   A second accessible coupling 512 of the second computer 500 with         a second memory 510.     -   A second program system 2500 includes program steps residing in         the second memory 510.     -   The second computer 500 is at least partly controlled by the         program steps of the second program system 2500, which are         provided through the second accessible coupling 512 of the         second memory 510.     -   The second program system 2500 may be considered to embody the         method of manufacture, by directing the means for providing 200         and the means for installing 300 to create the status reporting         device 800.

FIG. 8A shows a flowchart of the second program system 2500 of FIG. 7C, embodying certain aspects of the invention's method of making the status reporting device 800 of FIGS. 6A and 7A, which includes the following operations.

-   -   Operation 2512 directs the means for providing 200 to provide         202 the micro-controller module 1000 of FIGS. 6A and 7A.     -   Operation 2522 directs the means for installing 300 to install         302 the program system 2000 of FIGS. 6A, 7A, and 7B, into the         memory 1020.

In FIG. 8A, the operation 2512 directing the means for providing 200 to provide 202 the micro-controller module 1000 of FIGS. 6A and 7A may involve the following in certain preferred embodiments.

-   -   The act of providing the micro-controller module 1000 may         include, but is not limited to, fetching the module into an         assembly work station, and/or positioning it for attachment to         cables and test instruments.     -   The micro-controller module 1000 is provided with a first         communicative coupling 1102 with the means for wirelessly         communicating 1100.     -   The micro-controller module 1000 is also provided with a second         communicative coupling 1202 to the means for sensing state 1200         for the container handler.

In FIG. 8A, the operation 2522 directing the means for installing 300 to install 302 the program system 2000 of FIGS. 6A, 7A, and 7B, into the memory 1020 may involve the following in certain preferred embodiments.

-   -   An accessible coupling 1022 of the memory 1020 and the computer         1010 supports the program system 2000 at least partly directing         the computer 1010.     -   In certain preferred embodiments, the program system 2000 is         installed 302 from a program system library 2400, as shown in         FIG. 7C. The program system 2000 may be installed 302 using a         wireline network interface circuit 1030, and/or using the means         for wirelessly communicating 1100. The memory 1020 may         preferably include at least one non-volatile memory component.         The non-volatile memory component may preferably include a flash         memory device. The installation may preferably include         programming the flash memory component to install 302 the         program system 2000.     -   The program system library 2400 may include multiple versions of         the program system 2000, for use in controlling various         embodiments of the status reporting device 800 created by the         manufacturing process of the system for making 100.

FIG. 8B shows a detail of operation 2512 of FIG. 8A further providing the micro-controller module 1000. Operation 2552 supports creating the coupling 212 of the network interface circuit 1030 to 1104 the means for wirelessly communicating 1100.

In FIGS. 7A and 8B, the network interface circuit 1030 may preferably support at least one wireline communications protocol via the network coupling 1104 with the means for wirelessly communicating 1100.

The wireline communications protocol may support a version of at least one member of a serial protocol list 2100 shown in FIG. 8C, including the following.

-   -   A Synchronous Serial Interface protocol 2101, sometimes         abbreviated SSI.     -   An Ethernet protocol 2102.     -   A Serial Peripheral Interface 2103, sometimes abbreviated SPI.     -   An RS-232 protocol 2104.     -   An Inter-IC protocol 2105, sometimes abbreviated 12C.     -   An Universal Serial Bus protocol 2106, sometimes abbreviated         USB.     -   A Controller Area Network protocol 2107, sometimes abbreviated         CAN.     -   A Firewire protocol 2108, which includes implementations the         IEEE 1394 communications standard.     -   An RS-485 protocol 2109.     -   An RS-422 protocol 2111.

In FIGS. 6A, 7A and 7C, the means for wirelessly communicating 1100 may preferably support communicating using at least one version of at least one member of a wireless modulation-demodulation scheme list 2110 shown in FIG. 8D. The wireless modulation-demodulation scheme list 2110 includes, but is not limited to, the following.

-   -   A Time Division Multiple Access scheme 2112, sometimes         abbreviated TDMA.     -   A Frequency Division Multiple Access scheme 2114, sometimes         abbreviated FDMA.     -   And a Spread Spectrum Scheme 2115, which may include variations         on one or more of the following:     -   A Code Division Multiple Access scheme 2116, sometimes         abbreviated CDMA.     -   A Frequency Hopping Multiple Access scheme 2118, sometimes         abbreviated FHMA.     -   A Time Hopping Multiple Access scheme 2120, sometimes         abbreviated THMA.     -   And an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple access scheme         2122, sometimes abbreviated OFDM.

FIG. 9A shows a refinement of part of the wireless modulation-demodulation scheme list 2110 of FIG. 8D, which includes the following.

-   -   At least one version of the Time Division Multiple Access scheme         2112 (TDMA) may preferably include a GSM access scheme 2130.     -   At least one version of the Frequency Division Multiple Access         scheme 2114 (FDMA) may preferably include an AMPs scheme 2132.     -   At least one version of the Code Division Multiple Access scheme         2116 (CDMA) may preferably include at least one member of the         CDMA scheme list 2150.     -   At least one version of the Orthogonal Frequency Division         Multiple access scheme 2122 (OFDM) may preferably include at         least one IEEE 802.11 access scheme 2134. At least one version         of the IEEE 802.11 access scheme 2134 may include the IEEE         802.11b access scheme 2136. At least one version of the IEEE         802.11 access scheme 2134 may include the IEEE 802.11g access         scheme 2135.     -   At least one version of the Spread Spectrum Scheme 2115 uses the         Ansi 371.1 scheme 2138 for radio frequency identification and/or         location tags.

In FIG. 9A, the CDMA scheme list 2150 may preferably include, but is not limited to,

-   -   An IS-95 access scheme 2152, which uses at least one spreading         code to in modulating and demodulating an access channel.     -   A Wideband CDMA access scheme 2154, sometimes abbreviated         W-CDMA. W-CDMA schemes use not only a spreading code, but also a         scattering code to modulate and demodulate an access channel.

FIG. 9B shows some refinements of the means for sensing state 1200 of the container handler of FIGS. 6A and 7A. Note that the preferred status reporting device 800 for various of the container handler 78 may include one or more of the means for sensing state 1200 shown in this Figure. The means for sensing state 1200 of the container handler may preferably include at least one of the following

-   -   A means for sensing operator identity 1210, which provides 1212         a sensed operator identity 1214.     -   A means for sensing container presence 1220, which second         provides 1222 a sensed container present 1224.     -   A means for optical container code sensing 1230, which third         provides 1232 an optical container characteristic 1234.     -   A means for radio frequency tag sensing 1250 of a radio         frequency tag on the container 2 fourth providing 1252 a         container radio frequency tag 1254.     -   A means for container stack height sensing 1260 of the container         2 fifth providing 1262 a container stack height 1264. In certain         embodiments the means for container stack height sensing 1260         may preferably include a cam switch.     -   At least one means for sensing a machine state list member 1270         of the container handler, sixth providing 1272 a machine state         list member 1274 of the machine state list 1850, shown in FIG.         10E.     -   At least one crane sensor means list member 1280 seventh         providing 1282 at least one crane state list member 1284 of a         crane state list 1400 of FIG. 12B. The crane sensor means list         member 1280 is a member of the crane sensor means list 1300         shown in FIG. 12A.     -   A means for sensing container size 1216 seventeenth providing         1218 a container size 1226. The container size 1226 may         preferably be denoted similarly to the spreader state list 1420         of FIG. 12D. In certain embodiments, for example for use on a         UTR truck 10, the means for sensing container size 1216 may         include an ultrasonic sensor to estimate the container size on         the back of a bomb cart 14. The ultrasonic sensors measures the         delay in an echo from the side of the container 2 to estimate         its container size 1226.     -   A means for sensing container weight 1228 eighteenth providing         1240 a container weight 1242.     -   And a means for sensing container damage 1244 nineteenth         providing 1246 a container damage estimate 1248.

In FIG. 9B, the various combinations of some or all of the providings may be similarly implemented.

-   -   Among providings similarly implemented, these providings may         share a single communication mechanism with the computer 1010.     -   Among providings similarly implemented, these providings may use         multiple communication mechanisms with the computer 1010.

In FIG. 9B, some or all of the providings may be distinctly implemented.

In FIG. 9B, the providings may include at least one instance of the following:

-   -   provides 1212 a sensed operator identity 1214,     -   second provides 1222 a sensed container present 1224,     -   third provides 1232 an optical container characteristic 1234,     -   fourth providing 1252 a container radio frequency tag 1254,     -   fifth providing 1262 a container stack height 1264,     -   sixth providing 1272 a machine state list member 1274,     -   seventh providing 1282 at least one crane state list member 1284         of the crane state list 1400 shown in FIG. 12B,     -   seventeenth providing 1218 a container size 1226,     -   eighteenth providing 1240 a container weight 1242, and     -   nineteenth providing 1246 a container damage estimate 1248.

By way of example, the seventh providing 1282 of FIG. 9B, for a rubber tire gantry crane 20 or a straddle carrier 54, may preferably use at least one of the Synchronous Serial Interface protocol 2101, the RS-232 Protocol 2104, the RS-422 Protocol 2111 and/or the RS-485 Protocol 2109.

-   -   The crane sensor means list member 1280 may preferably include         the means for sensing trolley position 1360 fourteenth providing         1362 a trolley position 1364 as in FIG. 12A.     -   The crane sensor means list member 1280 may preferably include         the means for sensing hoist height 1370 fifteenth providing 1372         a hoist height 1374.     -   The means for sensing trolley position 1360 and/or the means for         sensing hoist height 1370 may preferably include a rotary         absolute optical encoder with either a hollow shaft or standard         shaft.

FIG. 10A shows some refinements of the sensed state 1800 of FIGS. 6A and 7A based upon the means for sensing state 1200 of FIG. 9B. The sensed state 1800 may preferably include at least one of the following,

-   -   The sensed operator identity 1214.     -   The sensed container present 1224. The sensed container present         1224 may preferably be a boolean value of true or false.     -   The optical container characteristic 1234.     -   The container radio frequency tag 1254.     -   The container stack height 1264. The container stack height 1264         may be interpreted as in the discussion of FIG. 3B.     -   At least one instance of at least one machine state list member         1274.     -   At least one of the crane state list members 1284.     -   The container size 1226.     -   The container weight 1242.     -   The container damage estimate 1248.

The optical container characteristic 1234 of FIGS. 9B and 10A may preferably include at least one instance of a member of a container code characteristic list 1700, shown in FIG. 10B, which may preferably include

-   -   a container code text 1702,     -   a view 1704 of the container code 4 of the container 2, and     -   a compression 1706 of the view 1704 of the container code 4 of         the container 2.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show examples of the view 1704 in FIG. 10B, of the container code 4 optically viewed on the side of the container 2 of FIGS. 1, 3A, and 4A. The view 1704 of the container code 4 may preferably and alternatively be viewed on any of the vertical sides of the container 2.

-   -   The compression 1706 of the view 1704 may include, but is not         limited to, a still frame compression and/or a motion sequence         compression of a succession of frames of views.     -   The compression 1706 may be at least partly the result of         applying a two dimensional (2-D) block transform, such as the         2-D Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) and/or a 2-D wavelet filter         bank.     -   Alternatively, the compression 1706 may be at least partly the         result of a fractal compression method.

FIG. 11C shows an example of the container code text 1702 of FIG. 10B.

-   -   The container code text 1702 may be at least partly the result         of optical character recognition applied to the view 1704 of         FIG. 11B.     -   The means for optical container code sensing 1230 of FIG. 9B may         include optical character recognition capabilities, which may be         embodied as a separate optical character recognition hardware         module or as a separate optical character recognition program         system.     -   The separate optical character recognition hardware module may         reside within the means for optical container code sensing 1230         and/or may be coupled to the means for optical container code         sensing 1230.     -   The separate optical character recognition program system may         reside within the means for optical container code sensing 1230         and/or may be coupled to the means for optical container code         sensing 1230.

The status reporting device 800 of FIG. 6A may include an optical characteristic system as the means for optical container code sensing 1230 of FIG. 9B, in housing 3000 of FIGS. 1, 2, 5A and 5B.

-   -   The means for optical container code sensing 1230 may include at         least one and preferably two of the video imaging device 1238 of         FIG. 10C, housed in a first housing 3100 and a second housing         3110 as in FIGS. 1 and 2.     -   The first housing 3100 and the second housing 3110 may be         mechanically coupled to a container handler 20 or 30 as in FIGS.         1 and 2.     -   The status reporting device 800 may also include at least one,         and preferably more than one, light 3120. The lights 3120 may be         controlled through interaction with the invention.     -   The mechanical coupling of the means for optical container code         sensing 1230 to the rubber tire gantry crane 20 may preferably         include a mechanical shock absorber to improve reliability.

FIG. 10C shows some preferred alternative embodiments of the means for optical container code sensing 1230 of FIG. 9B. The means for optical container code sensing 1230 of the container code 4 on the container 2 may preferably include any combination of the following.

-   -   A video interface 1236 to receive at least one optical container         characteristic 1234 of the container code 4.     -   At least one video imaging device 1238 to create at least one         optical container characteristic 1234 of the container code. The         video imaging device 1238 may be in a separate housing and/or         location as shown by the first housing 3100 and/or the second         housing 3110 in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5A.     -   At least one image processor 1239 may process and/or create at         least one of the optical container characteristic 1234.     -   The video imaging device 1238 may belong to a list including at         least a video camera, a digital video camera, and a charged         coupled array.     -   The video imaging device 1238 may further include any of the         following: a computer, a digital memory, an instance of the         image processor 1239 and/or a flash lighting system.

FIG. 10D shows a further preferred embodiment of the means for container stack height sensing 1260, including a stacking height sensor interface 1266 to a stacking height sensor on the container handler 78. One stacking height sensor, which may be preferred, is a draw wire encoder.

-   -   The draw wire encoder may be preferred when the container         handler is at least one of the following: the rubber tire gantry         crane 20, the side picker 40, the top loader 50, the reach         stacker 46, and/or the straddle carrier 54.     -   Alternatively, the stacking height sensor may be an         absolute/hollow shaft encoder.

FIG. 10E shows a preferred embodiment of the machine state list 1850. The machine state list 1850 may include, but is not limited to,

-   -   a reverse motion 1852,     -   a frequent stops count 1854,     -   a collision state 1856,     -   a fuel level 1858,     -   a compass reading 1860,     -   a wind speed 1862. In certain embodiments, the wind speed may         further indicate a wind direction,     -   a vehicle speed 1864, and     -   a vehicle braking system state 1866.     -   In some preferred embodiments, the means for sensing a machine         state list member 1270, the machine state list member 1274         includes the vehicle speed 1864, may preferably include a drive         shaft sensor counting the drive shaft revolutions.

FIG. 12A shows some details of the crane sensor means list 1300 related to at least one instance of the crane sensor means list member 1280 of FIG. 9B. The crane sensor means list 1300 preferably includes at least one of the following

-   -   A means for twistlock sensing 1310 eighth providing 1312 a         twistlock sensed state 1314.     -   The means for spreader sensing 1320 to ninth provide 1322 a         spreader sensed state 1324.     -   The means for sensing container landing 1330 to tenth provide         1332 a sensed landing state 1334.     -   The means for sensing trolley position 1360 fourteenth providing         1362 a trolley position 1364.     -   The means for sensing hoist height 1370 fifteenth providing 1372         a hoist height 1374.     -   The means for sensing trolley position 1360 and/or the means for         sensing hoist height 1370 may preferably include a rotary         absolute optical encoder with either a hollow shaft or standard         shaft.

In FIG. 12A, the twistlock sensed state 1314, preferably, is a member of a twistlock state list 1410 shown in FIG. 12C. FIG. 12C shows the twistlock state list 1410 including a twistlock-on state 1412 and a twistlock-off state 1414.

In FIG. 12A, the spreader sensed state 1324, preferably is a member of a spreader state list 1420 shown in FIG. 12D. FIG. 12D shows the spreader state list 1420 including a ten foot container spread 1421, a twenty foot container spread 1422, a thirty foot container spread 1428, a forty foot container spread 1424, and a forty-five foot container spread 1426.

-   -   Various embodiments may support the spreader sensed state 1324         limited to a subset of the spreader state list 1420.     -   By way of example, in certain preferred embodiments, the         spreader sensed state 1324 may be limited to a subset of the         spreader state list 1420 consisting of the twenty foot container         spread 1422 and the forty foot container spread 1424.

In FIG. 12A, the sensed landing state 1334, preferably, is a member of a landing state list 1430 shown in FIG. 12E. FIG. 12E shows the landing state list 1430 including a landed state 1432 and a not-landed state 1434.

FIG. 12B shows some details of the crane state list 1400 related to the crane state list member 1284 of FIGS. 9B and 10A. The crane state list 1400 preferably includes at least one of the following

-   -   The twistlock sensed state 1314,     -   The spreader sensed state 1324,     -   The sensed landing state 1334.

FIG. 13A shows a refinement of the status reporting device 800 of FIGS. 6A and 7A where the means for sensing state 1200 includes a crane spreader interface connection 1340.

-   -   The crane spreader interface connection 1340 preferably provides         at least one member of the crane state list 1400 as shown in         FIG. 12B.     -   The crane spreader interface connection 1340 eleventh provides         1344 the twistlock sensed state 1314.     -   The crane spreader interface connection 1340 twelfth provides         1346 the spreader sensed state 1324.     -   The crane spreader interface connection 1340 thirteenth provides         1348 the sensed landing state 1334.

FIG. 13A also shows the status reporting device 800 with the means for sensing state 1200 of the container handler 78 including a crane sensor coupling 1342 of the computer 1010 of FIGS. 6A and 7A to the crane spreader interface connection 1340.

-   -   The crane sensor coupling 1342 may preferably include conversion         circuitry interfaced to parallel input and/or output ports of         the computer 1010. The conversion circuitry may interface AC         lines through relays.     -   In certain embodiments, the crane sensor coupling 1342 may be         included in the second communicative coupling 1202 of the         micro-controller module 1000 with the means for sensing state         1200.     -   Alternatively, the crane sensor coupling 1342 may not be         included in the second communicative coupling 1202 of the         micro-controller module 1000 with the means for sensing state         1200.

By way of example, the crane spreader interface connection 1340 of FIG. 13A may contain the spreader sensed state 1324 as two signals.

-   -   The two signals are the “spreader is at least twenty foot”, and         the “spreader is at forty foot”.     -   If the “spreader is at least at twenty foot” is true and the         “spreader is at forty foot” is false, then the sensed spreader         state 1324 indicates the crane spreader is set for twenty foot.     -   If the “spreader is at least at twenty foot” is true and the         “spreader is at forty foot” is true, then the sensed spreader         state 1324 indicates the crane spreader set for forty foot.

By way of example, the crane spreader interface connection 1340 of FIG. 13A may contain the spreader sensed state 1324 as three signals.

-   -   The two signals are the “spreader is at least at twenty foot”,         the “spreader is at forty foot”, and the “spreader is at least         forty-five foot”.     -   If the “spreader is at least at twenty foot” is true, the         “spreader is at forty foot” is false, and the “spreader is at         least forty-five foot” is false, then the sensed spreader state         1324 indicates the crane spreader is set for twenty foot.     -   If the “spreader is at least at twenty foot” is true, the         “spreader is at forty foot” is true, and the “spreader is at         least forty-five foot” is false then the sensed spreader state         1324 indicates the crane spreader set for forty foot.     -   If the “spreader is at least at twenty foot” is true, the         “spreader is at forty foot” is true, and the “spreader is at         least forty-five foot” is true then the sensed spreader state         1324 indicates the crane spreader set for forty-five foot.

In FIG. 13A, some or all of the providings may be similarly implemented. Among those providings similarly implemented, they may use the same of different mechanisms to provide. Alternatively, some of the providings may be distinctly implemented. The providings of FIG. 13A include

-   -   The eleventh provides 1344 the twistlock sensed state 1314.     -   The twelfth provides 1346 the spreader sensed state 1324.     -   The thirteenth provides 1348 the sensed landing state 1334.

FIG. 13B shows a refinement of the status reporting device 800 of FIGS. 6A and 7A, with the means for sensing state 1200 of the container handler 78, including a Programmable Logic Controller 1350, which is sometimes denoted PLC.

-   -   The Programmable Logic Controller 1350 preferably provides at         least one member of the crane state list 1400 as shown in FIG.         12B.     -   Preferably, the Programmable Logic Controller 1350 may         fourteenth provide 1354 the twistlock sensed state 1314.     -   Preferably, the Programmable Logic Controller 1350 may fifteenth         provide 1356 the spreader sensed state 1324.     -   Preferably, the Programmable Logic Controller 1350 may sixteenth         provide 1358 the sensed landing state 1334.

FIG. 13B also shows the status reporting device 800 including a second crane sensor coupling 1352 of the computer 1010 of FIGS. 6A, 7A and 13A with the Programmable Logic Controller 1350.

-   -   The second crane sensor coupling 1352 may preferably include a         serial communications coupling 1352.     -   The serial communications coupling 1352 preferably supports a         version of at least one member of a serial protocol list 2100 of         FIG. 8C.

In FIG. 13B, some or all of the providings may be similarly implemented. Among those providings similarly implemented, they may use the same of different mechanisms to provide. Alternatively, some of the providings may be distinctly implemented. The providings of FIG. 13B include

-   -   The fourteenth provide 1354 the twistlock sensed state 1314.     -   The fifteenth provide 1356 the spreader sensed state 1324.     -   The sixteenth provide 1358 the sensed landing state 1334.

In FIGS. 13A and 13B, the container handler 78 may preferably be a version of a member of the container handler list 80 of FIG. 4B. The container handler 78 may also be an assembly of two or more members of the container handler list 80. By way of example, the container handler 78 may include the UTR truck 10 of FIG. 1 attached to the Bomb cart 14. In certain situations, the UTR truck 10 may be attached to an over the road chassis.

FIG. 14A shows the means for providing 200 of FIGS. 6A and 7A further including a means for location coupling 230. The means for location coupling 230 assembles 232 the micro-controller module 1000 with a means for determining 1500 location the container handler.

FIG. 14B shows a detail flowchart of operation 2512 of FIG. 8A further providing the micro-controller module 1000 with the coupled means 1200 for sensing the state of the container handler of FIGS. 6A and 7A. Operation 2562 supports providing the micro-controller module 1000 with the second communicative coupling 1202 to the means for sensing state 1200 of the container handler.

FIG. 14C shows a detail of operation 2512 of FIG. 8A further providing the micro-controller module 1000 coupled with the means for determining 1500 the location the container handler of FIG. 14A. Operation 2572 supports providing the micro-controller module 1000 communicatively coupling 1502 to a means for determining 1500 the location of the container handler.

In FIG. 14A, the means for determining 1500 may include one or more of the following:

-   -   An interface to a Global Positioning System (GPS).     -   An interface to a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS).     -   A means for wirelessly determining location, such as by use of a         local wireless network providing timed signal bursts from         multiple antenna sites within the local wireless network.     -   A radio location-tag unit.

As used herein, GPS is a satellite communications system, which supports determining the location of a receiver. DGPS is a refinement of the GPS using an earth-based reference station to support positional accuracy to within a meter.

FIG. 15A shows the means for wirelessly communicating 1100 including the means for wirelessly determining 1510 the location of the container handler. The means for wirelessly determining 1510 may include one or more of the following:

-   -   An interface to the Global Positioning System (GPS).     -   An interface to the Differential Global Positioning System         (DGPS).     -   Alternatively, the means for wirelessly determining 1510 may         provide timed signal bursts to multiple antenna sites within the         local wireless network to support the wireless network         determining the location of itself. This means for wirelessly         determining 1510 may not require the use or storage of an         estimate of the location 1900 in the memory 1020 accessed 1022         by the computer 1010, as shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 15B shows a detail of the program system 2000 of FIGS. 6A and 6B for determining and communicating the location of the container handler 78.

-   -   Operation 2072 supports using the means 1500 of FIG. 14A for         locating the container handler 78 to, at least partly, determine         the location 1900 of the container handler 78.     -   Operation 2082 uses the means for wirelessly communicating 1100         to communicate the location 1900.

In FIG. 15A, the means for wirelessly communicating 1100 may further include a radio location-tag unit.

-   -   In certain preferred embodiments, the radio location-tag unit         may act as the means for wirelessly determining 1510 the         location 1900 of the container handler 78.     -   The radio location-tag unit may further support a national         and/or international standard, which may include, but is not         limited to, a version of ANSI 371.1 standard for radio location         tags.     -   In such embodiments, the local computer 1010 may not require the         location 1900 present in memory 1020, as shown in FIG. 6A.     -   In such embodiments, the need for the program system 2000 to         determine location may be non-existent, removing the presence of         the operation of FIG. 15B.

FIG. 16A shows the memory 1020 of FIG. 6A including a non-volatile memory 1024. The computer 1010 may preferably access 1022 the non-volatile memory 1024, similarly to the discussion of FIG. 6A. The non-volatile memory 1024 may include at least part of the program system 2000.

FIG. 16B shows a detail flowchart of operation 2522 of FIG. 8A further installing the program system 2000 of FIG. 6A.

-   -   Operation 2592 supports altering at least part of the         non-volatile memory 1024 of FIG. 16A to install at least part of         at least one program step of the program system 2000.     -   Operation 2602 supports installing a memory module including at         least part of at least one of the program steps residing in the         non-volatile memory 1024 to create at least part of the memory         1020 accessed 1022 by the computer 1010.

FIGS. 17 to 20 show various status reporting devices 800 for the rubber tire gantry crane 20 of FIG. 1. Similar embodiments are useful with the quay crane 30 of FIG. 2. In FIGS. 17 to 20, the means for sensing state 1200 is disclosed in terms of the details of its contents and communications.

FIG. 17 shows the status reporting device 800 communicating through couplings with

-   -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100,     -   The display 3010, may preferably be a Liquid Crystal Display,         and     -   The means for sensing state 1200 includes the following:     -   The means for sensing operator identity 1210,     -   The means for container stack height sensing 1260,     -   The means for sensing a machine state list member 1270,     -   The crane spreader interface connection 1340,     -   The means for determining 1500 location, further including a         Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), and     -   A second means for determining 1500-B location, which preferably         includes a means for sensing laser trolley position.         Alternatively, this may incorporate a draw wire and/or rotary         encoder.

In FIG. 17, the means for sensing a machine state list member 1270 provides the frequent stops count 1854, the collision state 1856, the fuel level 1858, the wind speed 1862, and the vehicle speed 1864.

In FIGS. 17 and 20, the means for sensing state 1200 also provides, via the crane sensor coupling 1342, the following to the computer 1010:

-   -   The twistlock sensed state 1314,     -   The spreader sensed state 1324, which may further preferably         include     -   the spreader sense state at twenty foot 1324-20, and     -   the spread sense state at forty foot 1324-40, and     -   the sensed landing state 1334.

FIG. 18 shows the status reporting device 800 communicates via couplings with

-   -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100, which preferably         includes a wireless modem preferably supporting a version of the         IEEE 802.11 access scheme 2134, preferably the IEEE 802.11b         access scheme 2136. Alternatively, the wireless modem may         support an Radio Frequency IDentification (RF ID) protocol.     -   The display 3010, and     -   The means for sensing state 1200, which preferably includes the         following     -   The means for sensing operator identity 1210,     -   The means for container stack height sensing 1260,     -   The means for sensing a machine state list member 1270, which         provides the frequent stops count 1854, the collision state         1856, the fuel level 1858 and the wind speed 1862.     -   The Programmable Logic Controller 1350, and     -   The means for determining 1500 location, preferably using the         Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) of FIG. 14A,

In FIG. 18, the computer 1010 couples through the Programmable Logic Controller 1350 with the following:

-   -   at least one means for container stack height sensing 1260, and     -   a second means for determining 1500-B location, which preferably         includes a means for sensing laser trolley position.

FIG. 19 shows the status reporting device 800 communicating via couplings with

-   -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100, which further         includes the means for wirelessly determining 1510 location of         FIG. 15A. The means for wirelessly determining 1510 may         preferably include a radio frequency tag device.     -   The display 3010.     -   And the means for sensing state 1200 which includes     -   The means for container stack height sensing 1260,     -   The Programmable Logic Controller 1350.     -   The means for sensing a machine state list member 1270, which         preferably provides the frequent stops count 1854, the collision         state 1856, the fuel level 1858, and the wind speed 1862.     -   The means for sensing operator identity 1210, similar to 1210 of         FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 20 shows the status reporting device 800 communicating via couplings with

-   -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100 may preferably         include the means for wirelessly determining 1510 location of         FIG. 15A, which may preferably include a radio frequency tag         device.     -   The display 3010.     -   And the means for sensing state 1200 which includes     -   The means for sensing operator identity 1210,     -   The means for container stack height sensing 1260,     -   The crane spreader interface connection 1340,     -   The second means for determining 1500-B location, and     -   The means for sensing a machine state list member 1270, which         provides the frequent stops count 1854, the collision state         1856, the fuel level 1858, the wind speed 1862, and vehicle         speed 1864.

In FIGS. 17 to 19, a second means 1500-B for determining the location of the container handler is used. The second means 1500-B may preferably be a trolley position sensor, which may be laser based. The second means 1500-B may preferably communicatively couple 1502-B via an RS-232 interface with the status reporting device 800.

FIGS. 17 to 23 show the means for container stack height sensing 1260.

-   -   Preferably, the means for container stack height sensing 1260         may include at least one cam shaft and/or at least one hoist         position encoder when used with the rubber tire gantry crane 20         of FIG. 1.     -   Preferably, the means for container stack height sensing 1260         may include at least one cam shaft and/or at least one hoist         position encoder when used with the quay crane 30 of FIG. 2.     -   These interact with one or more sensors of the sensor         hoist-stack position to sense the stack height for a rubber tire         gantry crane 20 or quay crane 30.     -   The means for sensing the stack height 1260 may involve as many         as eight separate sensor states, which may indicate whether         their respective stack location is occupied. Containers may be         preferably stacked as high as seven containers.

FIGS. 21 to 23 show various status reporting devices 800 for use with some or all of the following container handlers 78, which are members of the container handler list 80 of FIG. 4B:

-   -   The side picker 40 shown in FIG. 3A.     -   The reach stacker 46 shown in FIG. 4A.     -   The top handler 50 shown in FIG. 4C.     -   The straddle carrier 54 shown in FIG. 4D.

In FIGS. 21 to 23, the means for sensing state 1200 is disclosed in the details of its contents and communications.

In certain preferred embodiments, the status reporting device 800 of FIGS. 21 to 23, for use with the side picker 40, the top handler 50 and/or the straddle carrier 54, as well as the status reporting device 800 of FIGS. 17 to 20, for use with the rubber tire gantry crane 20, may sense the following.

-   -   The length of time the vehicle has run since it was started.     -   The compass reading 1860.     -   When the spreader has landed on a container 2 as the sensed         landing state 1334.     -   When the spreader has locked on the container.     -   The container size 1226, which is preferably one of the members         of the spreader state list 1420 of FIG. 12D. Further, the         container size may preferably be one of the twenty foot         container spread 1422, the forty foot container spread 1424 and         the forty-five foot container spread 1426.     -   The container stack height 1264 may preferably range from one to         seven containers in height. This may be preferably be measured         in feet.     -   The reverse motion 1852.     -   The fuel level 1858 may be optionally provided.     -   And the sensed operator identity 1214 may be optionally         provided.     -   In certain embodiments, the status reporting device 800 may use         the means for wirelessly communicating 1100 instead of the means         for determining 1500 the location 1900. The means for wirelessly         communicating 1100 may sensed by an external radio system to         determine the container handler location. This may be preferred         in terms of the cost of production of the status reporting         device.

In certain preferred embodiments, the status reporting device 800 of FIGS. 21 to 23, for use with the side picker 40, the top handler 50 and/or the straddle carrier 54, as well as the status reporting device 800 of FIGS. 17 to 20, for use with the rubber tire gantry crane 20, may implemented to include the following.

-   -   The means for spreader sensing 1320 may include a magnetic         proximity switch on and/or near the status reporting device 800.     -   The reverse sensor may be communicatively coupled with the         reverse buzzer on the vehicle.     -   The sixth providing 1272 of the compass reading 1860 may use the         RS-422 protocol 2111.     -   The means for sensing container landing 1330 may include a         proximity switch on and/or near the status reporting device 800.     -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100 may be used to         provide location of the vehicle. It may be further preferred         that there are multiple means for wirelessly communicating,         which may further preferably embody a radio frequency tag         technology, including a version of the ANSI 371.1 scheme 2138.         The radio frequency tag technology may preferably be compatible         with the WHERENET™ products.     -   The first communicative coupling 1102 of the means for         wirelessly communicating 1100 and the micro-controller module         1000 may use the RS-485 protocol 2109.

In certain preferred embodiments, the status reporting device 800 of FIGS. 21 to 23, for use with the side picker 40 and/or the top handler 50, may implemented to further include the following.

-   -   The means for container stack height sensing 1260 may include a         draw wire encoder. The fifth providing 1262 of the container         stack height 1264 may preferably use the RS-422 protocol 2111.

In certain preferred embodiments, the status reporting device 800 of FIGS. 21 to 23, for use with the straddle carrier 54, as well as the status reporting device 800 of FIGS. 17 to 20, for use with the rubber tire gantry crane 20, may implemented to include the following.

-   -   The means for sensing hoist height 1370 may include a hollow         shaft or a shafted optical absolute encoder. The fifteenth         providing 1372 of the hoist height 1374 may preferably use the         RS-422 protocol 2111 and/or the Synchronous Serial Interface         protocol 2101.     -   The means for sensing trolley position 1360 may include a hollow         shaft or a shafted optical absolute encoder. The fourteenth         providing 1362 of the trolley position 1364 may preferably use         the RS-422 protocol 2111 and/or the Synchronous Serial Interface         protocol 2101.

In certain preferred embodiments, the status reporting device 800 of FIGS. 21 to 23, for use with the side picker 40, the top handler 50 and/or the straddle carrier 54, as well as of FIGS. 17 to 20 for the rubber tire gantry crane 20, may be implemented using a programmable logic controller 1350 as in FIG. 13B. The following may be preferred in such situations.

-   -   The sixth providing 1272 of the compass reading 1860 may use the         RS-422 protocol 2111.     -   The first communicative coupling 1102 of the means for         wirelessly communicating 1100 and the micro-controller module         1000 may use the RS-485 protocol 2109.

In certain preferred embodiments, the status reporting device 800 of FIGS. 21 to 23, for use with the side picker 40, the top handler 50, and/or the straddle carrier 54, as well as of FIGS. 17 to 20 for the rubber tire gantry crane 20, may use a second display 3020.

-   -   It may be preferred to send the human operator messages that are         displayed on the second display. These messages may include         directions to pickup a container 2 from a communicated location         in the terminal yard.     -   Preferably, the means for wirelessly communicating 1100 supports         a bi-directional communications protocol. The bi-directional         communications protocol may preferably support a version of the         IEEE 802.11 access scheme 2134.     -   The bi-directional communications protocol may further support         the reprogramming of non-volatile memory 1024.     -   A location tag associated with the vehicle may be commanded to         blink.     -   The use of a display 3010 supporting operator interactions may         require a bi-directional communications protocol.

FIG. 21 shows the status reporting device 800 communicating via couplings with

-   -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100.     -   The display 3010.     -   The second display 3020.     -   And the means for sensing state 1200.

In FIG. 21, the means for sensing state 1200 preferably includes

-   -   The means for sensing operator identity 1210,     -   The means for sensing container presence 1220,     -   The means for optical container code sensing 1230,     -   The means for sensing a machine state list member 1270, which         provides the reverse motion 1852, the frequent stops count 1854,         the collision state 1856, the fuel level 1858, the compass         reading 1860, and the vehicle speed 1864,     -   The Programmable Logic Controller 1350, and     -   The means for determining 1500 location.

In FIGS. 18, 19, and 21, the Programmable Logic Controller 1350 further provides the computer 1010, via the second crane sensor coupling 1352, with the following:

-   -   The twistlock sensed state 1314,     -   By way of example, the spreader sensed state 1324, may further         preferably include the spreader sense state at twenty foot         1324-20, and the spread sense state at forty foot 1324-40, and     -   the sensed landing state 1334.     -   The spreader sensed state 1324 may include other sizes, examples         of which are shown in the spreader state list 1420 of FIG. 12D.

In FIGS. 18, 19, and 21, the Programmable Logic Controller 1350 further provides the computer 1010, via the second crane sensor coupling 1352, with the states of the means for container stack height sensing 1260. The Programmable Logic Controller 1350 may also sometimes preferably provide the spreader sensed state 1324.

FIG. 22 shows the status reporting device 800 communicating via couplings with

-   -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100.     -   The display 3010.     -   The second display 3020.     -   And the means for sensing state 1200.

In FIG. 22, the means for sensing state 1200 preferably includes

-   -   The means for sensing operator identity 1210,     -   The means for sensing container presence 1220,     -   The means for optical container code sensing 1230,     -   The means for container stack height sensing 1260,     -   The means for sensing a machine state list member 1270, which         provides the reverse motion 1852, the frequent stops count 1854,         the collision state 1856, the fuel level 1858, and the compass         reading 1860, and     -   The twistlock sensed state 1314, the spreader sensed state 1324,         which may further preferably include the spreader sense state at         twenty foot 1324-20, and the spread sense state at forty foot         1324-40, and the sensed landing state 1334. The spreader sensed         state 1324 may include other sizes, examples of which are shown         in the spreader state list 1420 of FIG. 12D.     -   The means for determining 1500 location.

FIG. 23 shows the status reporting device 800 communicating via couplings with

-   -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100.     -   The display 3010.     -   The second display 3020.     -   And the means for sensing state 1200.

In FIG. 23, the means for sensing state 1200 preferably includes

-   -   The means for sensing operator identity 1210,     -   The means for sensing container presence 1220,     -   The means for optical container code sensing 1230,     -   The means for container stack height sensing 1260,     -   The means for sensing a machine state list member 1270, which         provides the reverse motion 1852, the frequent stops count 1854,         the collision state 1856, the fuel level 1858, the compass         reading 1860, and the vehicle speed 1864, and     -   The twistlock sensed state 1314, the spreader sensed state 1324,         which may further preferably include the spreader sense state at         twenty foot 1324-20, and the spread sense state at forty foot         1324-40, and the sensed landing state 1334.     -   The spreader sensed state 1324 may include other sizes, examples         of which are shown in the spreader state list 1420 of FIG. 12D.

FIGS. 24 and 25 show various embodiments of the status reporting device 800 for the UTR truck 10 of FIG. 1. In these Figures the means for sensing state 1200 is disclosed in the details of its contents and communications. The UTR truck may be attached to the bomb cart 14, or a chassis 14, where the container 2 may be tied down.

FIG. 24, shows the status reporting device 800 communicating via couplings with

-   -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100.     -   The display 3010.     -   And the means for sensing state 1200.

In FIG. 24, the means for sensing state 1200 preferably includes

-   -   The means for sensing operator identity 1210.     -   The means for sensing container size 1216. This may preferably         use an ultrasonic sensor.     -   The means for sensing container presence 1220.     -   The means for optical container code sensing 1230.     -   The means for sensing a machine state list member 1270, which         provides the reverse motion 1852, the frequent stops count 1854,         the collision state 1856, the fuel level 1858, and the vehicle         speed 1864. It may be preferred that the means for sensing not         include the wind speed 1862, as shown.     -   And a fifth wheel engage/disengage proximity sensor.

One alternative embodiment of the status reporting device 800 for a Quay crane 30 and/or the RTG crane 20 may preferably include an interface to the programmable logic controller 1350 using a Wheretag.

FIG. 25 shows the status reporting device 800 communicating via couplings with

-   -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100, preferably         implemented using the means for wirelessly determining 1510.     -   The display 3010.     -   And the means for sensing state 1200.

In FIG. 25, the means for sensing state 1200 preferably includes

-   -   The means for sensing operator identity 1210.     -   The means for sensing container presence 1220.     -   The means for sensing a machine state list member 1270, which         provides the reverse motion 1852, the frequent stops count 1854,         the collision state 1856, the fuel level 1858, and the vehicle         speed 1864. It may be preferred that the means for sensing not         include the wind speed 1862, as shown.     -   And a fifth wheel engage/disengage proximity sensor.

The status reporting device 800 used on the bomb cart 14 and/or the chassis 14 may preferably resemble the status reporting device 800 for the UTR truck 10 shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 without those features which

-   -   sense an engine and/or its fuel, as well as,     -   sense the presence and/or identity of an operator.     -   The status reporting device 800 may also lack the means for         optical container code sensing 1230.

The status reporting device 800 of FIGS. 24 and/or 25, for the UTR truck 10 may preferably operate as follows.

-   -   The micro-controller module 1000 may sense how long the UTR         truck 10 has been running.     -   The micro-controller module 1000 may sense when the fifth wheel         is engaged.     -   The micro-controller module 1000 may sense when the brakes are         applied.     -   The micro-controller module 1000 may sense when the container 2         is a forty foot container.     -   The micro-controller module 1000 may sense when the container 2         is a twenty foot container and positioned in the front or back         of a bomb cart 14.     -   The micro-controller module 1000 may sense when the container 2         is on a chassis.     -   The micro-controller module 1000 may sense the compass reading         1860.     -   Optionally, the micro-controller module 1000 may sense the fuel         level 1858.     -   Optionally, the micro-controller module 1000 may receive the         sensed operator identity 1214.     -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100 may interface with         the WHERENET™ radio tag system.     -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100 may further be a         WHERENET tag.     -   Communication through the means for wirelessly communicating         1100 may preferably occur when a container is engaged, a         container is gained or leaves a bomb cart 14, and/or when the         UTR truck 10 starts to move.     -   In certain embodiments, the status reporting device 800 may use         the means for wirelessly communicating 1100 instead of the means         for determining 1500 the location 1900. The means for wirelessly         communicating 1100 may sensed by an external radio system to         determine the container handler location. This may be preferred         in terms of the cost of production of the status reporting         device.

The status reporting device 800 of FIGS. 24 and/or 25, for the UTR truck 10 may preferably include the following sensor interfaces.

-   -   The fifth wheel engage-disengage may be sensed by a magnetic         proximity switch.     -   The vehicle speed 1864 and/or movement may be sensed by the         number of revolutions of the driveshaft.     -   The compass reading 1860 may interface using the RS-422 protocol         2111.     -   The container presence may preferably use an ultrasonic sonar         with a four to twenty milliAmp (mA) analog output. This is         measured by the micro-controller module 1000 to determine the         distance.     -   Alternatively, the container presence may use a laser to         determine distance.     -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100 may be coupled to         the micro-controller module 1000 using the RS-422 protocol 2111.     -   The determination of location may be achieved by the means for         wirelessly communicating 1100, particularly implementing the         WHERENE™ radio tag.     -   The radio tag may further be commanded to blink.     -   The reverse motion sensor may be based upon the reverse motion         buzzer of the UTR truck 10.

In FIGS. 5B, and 17 to 25, the display 3010 is shown.

-   -   The display 3010 may communicate directly with the computer         1010, or communicate through one of the Network Interface         Circuits (NICs).     -   The display 3010 may preferably be a Liquid Crystal display.         However, one skilled in the art will recognize that there are         many alternative means for presenting a status display.     -   The display 3010 may preferably be used to display status.

In FIGS. 21 to 23, the second display 3020 is shown.

-   -   The second display 3020 may communicate directly with the         computer 1010, or communicating through one of the Network         Interface Circuits (NICs).     -   The second display 3020 may preferably be a Liquid Crystal         display. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that         there are many alternative means for presenting a status         display.     -   The second display 3020 may preferably be used to display         command options, which may be available to an operator of the         container handler 78.

A second display 3020 may also be used in the status reporting device 800 for a UTR truck 10.

-   -   In such situations, when the second display 3020 is present, the         status reporting device 800 further includes a network interface         circuit supporting a version of the IEEE 802.11 access scheme         2134.     -   The operator can receive messages as to where to go in the         terminal yard to pickup a container 2.     -   The network interface circuit's support of the version of the         IEEE 802.11 access scheme 2134, makes remote reprogramming of         the status reporting device 800 possible.

FIGS. 17, 18, 21, 22, and 24 shows status reporting devices 800 including a second Network Interface Circuit 1034.

-   -   A second network interface coupling 1036 supports the computer         1010 communicating via the second network interface circuit         1034.     -   The network interface circuit 1030 and the second network         interface circuit 1034 may preferably support distinct serial         communications protocols.     -   By way of example, the network interface circuit 1030 may         support RS-232, while the second network interface circuit 1034         may support Ethernet.     -   Both the network interface circuit 1030 and the second network         interface circuit 1034 may preferably be implemented as         components within a micro-controller, which also contains the         computer 1010.

The status reporting device 800, including and its one or more communications protocols may support use of a TCP/IP stack, HTTP, java, and/or XML.

The preceding embodiments have been provided by way of example and are not meant to constrain the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A status reporting apparatus for a container handler, comprising: a micro-controller communicatively coupled to a wireless communication component, and communicatively coupled to one or more sensor components, including a sensor component sensing a state of a structure comprising part of the container handler; a programmable logic controller coupled to the sensor component, and configured to provide at least one member of a crane state list specifying a configuration of a structure element of the container handler; and a memory accessibly coupled to a computer directing the micro-controller, the memory having installed therein a program comprising executable program steps for using the sensor component to create a sensed state of the container handler, and for using the wireless communication component to communicate the sensed state; wherein the container handler moves a container of at least twenty foot in length.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the crane state list specifying a configuration of a structure element of the container handler, specifies a configuration of at least one of a twistlock interface and an spreader interface.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the wireless communication component comprises at least one of a radio-location tag unit and a wireless modem, and includes a network interface circuit supporting at least one wireline communications protocol, the wireline communications protocol supporting a serial protocol selected from the group consisting of: Synchronous Serial interface protocol, Ethernet protocol, Serial Peripheral interface, RS-232 interface, Inter-IC protocol, Universal Serial Bus protocol, Controller Area Network protocol, Firewire protocol, RS-485 protocol, and RS-422 protocol.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the wireless communication component supports wireless communication using a wireless modulation-demodulation scheme selected from the group consisting of: Time Division Multiple Access, Frequency Division, Multiple Access, Code Division Multiple Access, Spread Spectrum scheme, frequency Hopping Multiple Access, and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a sensor component of the one or more the sensor components is configured to sense at least one of an operator identity to provide a sensed operator identity, and a location of the container handler relative to a deployment area, the location determined using at least one of global positioning system data, differential global positioning system data, and timing signals from multiple antenna sites.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a sensor component of the one or more the sensor components is configured to sense a container presence to provide a sensed container present status, and wherein the sensed container present status can be used in part to derive a location of the container relative to the container handler.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a sensor component of the one or more the sensor components comprises an optical character recognition module configured to optically sense a container code on the container to provide an optical container characteristic, and wherein the optical container characteristic includes at least one instance of a member of a container code characteristic list; and wherein the container code characteristic list includes a container code text, a view of the container code, and a compression of the view of the container code.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the optical character recognition module comprises at least one video camera to create at least one instance of the view of the container code and the compression of the view of the container code.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the container handler is selected from the group consisting of: a utility truck, a gantry crane, a quay crane, a side picker, a reach stacker, a top handler, a straddle carrier, and a chassis rotator.
 10. An apparatus for reporting the status of a container handler, comprising: a microcontroller controlled by a processor executing program instructions; at least one sensing component coupled to the microcontroller and configured to sense a state of the container handler to create a sensed state of the container handler with respect to a characteristic of at least one of a container handler operator and a container manipulated by the container handler, wherein the characteristic of the container manipulated by the container handler comprises a location of the container relative to the container handler as derived from the sensed state of the container handler, and including a sensor component sensing a state of a structure comprising part of the container handler; a wireless communication component coupled to the microcontroller and configured to transmit the sensed state of the container handle to a remote server, the wireless communication module using a serial wireless communications protocol and a wireless modulation-demodulation scheme; a programmable logic controller coupled to the at least one sensor component, and configured to provide at least one member of a crane state list specifying a configuration of a structure element of the container handler; and a memory coupled to the microcontroller and storing the program instructions to control the sensing component and the wireless communication component.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the container handler comprises a human operated device that moves the container within a deployment area, and is selected from the group consisting of: a utility truck, a gantry crane, a quay crane, a side picker, a reach stacker, a top handler, a straddle carrier, and a chassis rotator.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the crane state list specifying a configuration of a structure element of the container handler, specifies a configuration of at least one of a twistlock interface and an spreader interface.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a location determination component configured to wirelessly determine a location of the container handler relative to the deployment area, wherein the location is provided by one of: a Global Positioning System, a Differential Global Positioning System, and timing signals from multiple antenna sites.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the wireless communication component comprises one of: a radio-location tag unit supporting a defined radio communication standard, and a wireless modem.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the serial wireless communications protocol is selected from the group consisting of: synchronous serial interface protocol, Ethernet protocol, serial peripheral interface, RS-232 interface, Inter-IC protocol, Universal Serial Bus protocol, Controller Area Network protocol, Firewire protocol, RS-485 protocol, and RS-422 protocol; and wherein the wireless modulation-demodulation scheme is selected from the group consisting of: Time Division Multiple Access, Frequency Division, Multiple Access, Code Division Multiple Access, Spread Spectrum scheme, frequency Hopping Multiple Access, and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the at least one sensing component is selected from the group consisting of: an operator identity sensor, a container presence sensor, an optical container code sensor, a radio frequency tag sensor, a container stack height sensor, a container size sensor, a container weight sensor, a container size sensor, a fuel level sensor, a fifth wheel engage/disengage proximity sensor, and a container damage sensor.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the at least one sensing component comprises a container size sensor including an ultrasonic sonar sensor configured to detect the presence of the container in the container handler, and a distance to the container relative to boundaries of the container handler.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the at least one sensing component comprises sensors configured to sense characteristics of a spreader used to grasp the container, the spreader characteristics including a foot-width spread of the spreader selected from one of twenty foot, forty foot, and forty-five foot.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the at least one sensing component comprises sensors to sense characteristics of a vehicle used to move the container, the vehicle characteristics including fuel level, mileage, operational life, compass reading, reverse motion, and vehicle speed.
 20. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the at least one sensing component comprises sensors to sense a height of a stack of one or more containers relative to the container handler, the stack height sensor including one of: a draw wire encoder and a hollow shaft encoder. 